Holding steady.
Popularity of Cecille since 1888
Babies named Cecille per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1942, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Cecille's real moment was 1898.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 5 |
| 1890s | 24 |
| 1900s | 70 |
| 1910s | 139 |
| 1920s | 177 |
| 1930s | 121 |
| 1940s | 150 |
| 1950s | 102 |
| 1960s | 26 |
| 1970s | 36 |
| 1980s | 48 |
| 1990s | 39 |
| 2000s | 23 |
| 2010s | 13 |
| 2020s | 11 |
Meaning & origin
Cecille is a French spelling variant of Cecilia, a name with ancient Roman roots that spread through Europe via the veneration of Saint Cecilia. In the United States, the name first appears in Social Security records in 1888 and saw its peak popularity in 1898, the same year it reached its highest recorded use. The name's trajectory has been stable, with no significant resurgence in recent decades. It did not place in any top states during its peak, suggesting a diffuse but modest distribution. For parents drawn to traditional French feminines like Camille or Margot, Cecille offers an uncommon alternative with a melodic, two-syllable sound.
Cecille is a French variant of Cecilia, which derives from the Roman family name Caecilius. The name is associated with the Latin word 'caecus' meaning blind, though this may be a folk etymology. The name gained prominence through Saint Cecilia, a 3rd-century Roman martyr and patron saint of music. In France, Cecille emerged as a distinct spelling in the 19th century, particularly popular in the 1890s.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Cici, Cece, Sissy, Cilla
Sibling names for Cecille
Names that share Cecille's style, for a brother or sister.
